💬In plain words
What the trial is, and whether it could suit you
Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) is one of the most common manifestations of cervical spondylosis and is characterized by neck pain radiating to the upper extremities, sensory disturbances, restricted cervical range of motion, and functional disability. Conservative treatment is recommended as the first-line management for most patients, and electroacupuncture is widely used in Traditional Medicine to relieve pain and improve function.
Cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) acupuncture points are anatomically located adjacent to the cervical spinal nerve roots and may provide more targeted therapeutic effects than conventional meridian acupuncture points. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has also been used as an adjunctive physical modality to reduce pain and facilitate functional recovery.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether high-frequency electroacupun
Sign in to get the eligibility rules as simple questions to take to your doctor.
📋 Eligibility rules (as published)
Inclusion Criteria:
* Written informed consent to participate in the study.
* Male or female patients aged 30 years or older.
* Inpatients or outpatients diagnosed with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy caused by cervical spondylosis at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Traditional Medicine.
* Clinical diagnosis of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, including:
* Neck pain radiating to the shoulder and/or upper extremity.
* Sensory disturbance and/or motor deficit and/or abnormal deep tendon reflexes consistent with the affected cervical nerve root.
* At least one positive provocative test (Spurling test, cervical percussion/compression test, cervical distraction test, or shoulder abduction relief test).
* Pain intensity of at least 3 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
* Clinical evidence of cervical spine syndrome.
* Cervical spine X-ray demonstrating at least one degenerative finding (osteophytes, intervertebral disc space narrowing, or subchondral sclerosis).
Exclusion Criteria:
* Cervical radiculopathy caused by conditions other than cervical spondylosis.
* Cervical myelopathy or other spinal cord disorders requiring surgical intervention.
* Severe systemic illness, frailty, or medical conditions requiring intensive care, or suspected malignancy indicated by unexplained fever, unexplained weight loss, immunodeficiency, or cancer.
* Contraindications to acupuncture, including skin infection or ulceration at the acupuncture site, allergy to acupuncture needles, severe needle phobia, or psychiatric disorders preventing cooperation.
* Current treatment with strong analgesics (including paracetamol/codeine combinations, tramadol, or strong opioids) or other therapies that may interfere with study outcomes.
* Implanted cardiac pacemakers or other implanted electronic medical devices (e.g., neurostimulators, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, or insulin pumps).
* Bleeding disorders or hematologic diseases affecting coagulation.
* Benign or malignant tumors involving the treatment area or systemic malignancy.
* Participation in another interventional clinical trial.
* Inability to communicate effectively in Vietnamese.
* Pregnant women or women with suspected pregnancy.
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